Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment in Riga
SVF cells and platelet-rich plasma for joints worn by arthrosis — knee, hip and others. Stage checked through a free review of your X-rays or MRI
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Own tissue — your blood and adipose tissue
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation
and review of your scans
What is osteoarthritis
(arthrosis)?
Osteoarthritis, also called arthrosis, is a chronic condition in which the cartilage lining a joint gradually thins and wears away. Cartilage works as a shock absorber; as it breaks down, the bones start to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and a smaller range of movement. It is a degenerative rather than an inflammatory disease, although flare-ups with swelling do happen.
Weight-bearing joints suffer most: the knee (gonarthrosis), the hip (coxarthrosis), and also the ankle and small hand joints. Results are strongest at early and moderate stages, before heavy damage to the joint surfaces. When the stage is advanced, the doctor will honestly explain if joint replacement is the more realistic option.
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation and review of your scans
Joints we treat
Any joint, large or small — once your scans are reviewed, the doctor settles on the joint, the method and the injection count
Elbow
Pain linked to overuse or sports strain and worn joint surfaces
Hand and wrist joints
Painful, stiff small joints of the wrist and fingers
Knee
Cartilage wear, meniscus problems, pain on stairs and after walking
Hip
Early hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
Ankle
Pain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Shoulder
Wear of the joint and nearby tendons, pain when lifting the arm
Methods we use
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
The method uses the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a mix of cells that support tissue repair, isolated by processing a small sample of your adipose tissue. It is injected into the affected joint along with your own plasma.
At early and moderate stages of osteoarthritis it is used mainly to reduce friction between the joint surfaces and slow cartilage wear.
PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood
A small blood sample provides plasma rich in platelets and growth factors; this is injected into the joint to help ease inflammation and create better conditions for the tissue to repair.
For mild osteoarthritis it is often used alone, and with SVF when the effect needs to be stronger.
How the procedure goes: step by step
Consultation and scan review
The joint is examined, your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound are reviewed, and the doctor decides if the procedure is right for you. Any scans you have can be sent prior to the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
The nurse takes a little blood from a vein. Platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared from this blood later.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
A puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, under local anaesthetic, is used to take a small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml). No stitches afterwards.
Processing in a centrifuge
After spinning in a centrifuge, the sample forms layers. The stromal vascular fraction is isolated from them and mixed with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Under ultrasound guidance the prepared material is injected straight into the affected joint, which helps to place it precisely.
Follow-up
Crutches and a hospital stay are not required. The doctor stays in touch after the procedure, following the joint's response.
Consultation and scan review
The joint is examined, your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound are reviewed, and the doctor decides if the procedure is right for you. Any scans you have can be sent prior to the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
The nurse takes a little blood from a vein. Platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared from this blood later.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
A puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, under local anaesthetic, is used to take a small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml). No stitches afterwards.
Processing in a centrifuge
After spinning in a centrifuge, the sample forms layers. The stromal vascular fraction is isolated from them and mixed with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Under ultrasound guidance the prepared material is injected straight into the affected joint, which helps to place it precisely.
Follow-up
Crutches and a hospital stay are not required. The doctor stays in touch after the procedure, following the joint's response.
Follow-up visits
The plan is adjusted at follow-up visits, where the doctor sees how the joint responds. Pain usually eases in month one, mobility improves over about three months, and the full effect appears over around six months.
Conditions we treat
A doctor examines you, reviews your scans and then decides whether the treatment is suitable
What we work with
Arthritis
Arthrosis
Avascular necrosis
Osteoarthritis
Gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis)
Coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis)
Meniscus pathology and injury
Rehabilitation after injuries and surgery
Inflammatory joint conditions
Contraindications
Cancer
Pregnancy
Blood clotting disorders
Acute infections, including infection in or near the joint
Flare-up of a serious chronic illness
Cancer
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Serious heart, kidney or liver disease
Temporary contraindications: a fever, a cold or flu, or skin inflammation over the joint to be treated
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
After the procedure
Most people go home on the same day and are back to their usual daily activity within a day or two, with small dressings over the puncture sites. The joint may ache a little more during the first week — an expected reaction. Pain usually eases over the first month, mobility and activity improve over about three months, and the full effect develops over around six months. How long it lasts varies between people and depends on the stage of the condition, body weight, activity and other factors — nobody can promise a fixed result. A healthy weight and regular, joint-friendly exercise help the result last longer.
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
Your own joint is kept, not replaced — we treat without surgery
Your own tissue
Nothing synthetic, nothing from donors — only your own blood and adipose tissue are used
No crutches
No long rehabilitation: local anaesthetic and punctures instead of incisions
Second opinion
Send your reports, X-rays or MRI, and a doctor will independently assess them free of charge
Support after the procedure
We remain in touch after the procedure and track the outcome, not merely on the injection day
Osteoarthritis treatment prices
Pricing depends on which joint, which method and the stage of osteoarthritis; the doctor gives the cost after the consultation
Service
Price
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Joint treatment: frequently asked questions
What is osteoarthritis in simple terms?
It is gradual wear of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in a joint. When the cartilage thins, the joint loses its cushioning, the bones rub against each other, and pain, stiffness and crunching appear. It is a degenerative condition, not an inflammatory one.
Can hip osteoarthritis be treated without surgery?
Yes, in many cases, provided treatment is not left too late. SVF and PRP injections aim to ease pain and support cartilage without an operation. Joint replacement is the last option, for a joint that has already been destroyed.
How soon will I notice a result?
Many patients report the first changes 2–3 weeks after the procedure. A stable result develops over about six months and lasts from several months to several years depending on the individual. Because osteoarthritis is chronic, the approach is an ongoing plan rather than a single injection.
At which stage does the treatment work best?
Early and moderate stages. In milder stages the effect is usually faster and longer-lasting, and it may reduce the need for regular injections of hyaluronic acid. At the most advanced stage, where the joint space has almost disappeared, a lasting effect is not to be expected.
Which joints are most often affected?
Heavily loaded joints — the knees, hips and ankles — together with the spine and small hand joints. All of them can be treated with regenerative treatment.
What happens if osteoarthritis is left untreated?
The condition usually progresses. Pain becomes constant, movement becomes restricted, deformity of the joint may develop and walking can become difficult. Early diagnosis, exercise, weight control and working with a doctor do make a real difference.
Which tests and scans are needed?
An X-ray is the key test and shows the stage. A detailed view of the cartilage and soft tissues comes from MRI, ultrasound shows fluid and inflammation in the joint, and blood tests help rule out inflammatory diseases. Results you already have can be reviewed by the doctor free of charge.
How is osteoarthritis different from arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is wear of the cartilage: aching pain on movement, crunching, stiffness after rest. Arthritis is inflammation: pain at rest and at night, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. The approach to treatment differs, so the diagnosis comes first.
Can I get a consultation about my case?
Yes. Send your X-rays, MRI or test results, and a doctor will review them free of charge, assess the stage of osteoarthritis and suggest a non-surgical plan if it is appropriate.
Can I exercise with osteoarthritis?
Yes, you should exercise. Correct activity strengthens the muscles that relieve the joint, improves cartilage nutrition and keeps you mobile. Swimming, cycling, water aerobics, yoga and Nordic walking are good; jumping, heavy lifting, sudden movements and running on hard surfaces are not.
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Other services at our clinic
Osteoarthritis treatment in Riga: a short guide
Cartilage works as a shock absorber. When it thins, the bones start to rub against each other, and the joint becomes painful and less mobile. Osteoarthritis in Riga is a degenerative condition rather than an inflammatory one, although flare-ups with swelling happen.
The procedure does not require crutches or a hospital stay. Patients from Riga return to normal daily activity within a day or two and receive recommendations on load for the first weeks.
Leave a request, and a coordinator will contact you to arrange a free scan review. The price of osteoarthritis treatment in Riga is explained before treatment begins.
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